The Gulf Girl Association launches the Creativity 25 exhibition in Al-Khobar
In a move reflecting the depth of developmental and social progress in the Eastern Province, the Girl of the Gulf Charitable Women's Association in Al-Khobar inaugurated the 25th edition of its "Jellabiya Creations" exhibition on Tuesday, marking the start of its silver jubilee celebrations for this prominent event. The exhibition will run until November 11th, attracting a significant community turnout that reflects the stature the association has earned over the past decades.
This event comes amidst major transformations taking place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where the non-profit sector represents a cornerstone of Vision 2030, which aims to increase the sector's contribution to the GDP and enhance its social impact. The 25-year run of the "Ibdaaat" exhibition is a testament to the sustainability of institutional philanthropy and its ability to evolve to keep pace with economic and social changes, transforming from a mere charitable marketplace into a comprehensive development platform.
Strategic partnerships and documentation of the journey
This year's edition went beyond simply showcasing products; it took on an exceptional character, documenting a long-standing development journey. The exhibition halls witnessed the honoring of five strategic partners who were present from the very first edition and have maintained their contributions, a testament to the depth of sustainable community partnerships. The association's CEO, Dr. Ibtisam Al-Jubair, affirmed that the exhibition's 25th edition stands as a living testament to the association's unwavering commitment to creating a lasting impact, noting that the initiative is fully aligned with the goals of sustainable development and the economic and social empowerment of women.
Incubator for startups and innovation
The exhibition dedicates ample space to supporting emerging businesses and young women entering the business world. The exhibition management provides fully equipped display platforms to enable them to engage directly with the market and benefit from the expertise of seasoned designers. This approach fosters an integrated environment that combines experience with youthful energy, enhancing the chances of success for these small businesses and their future transformation into independent commercial entities that contribute to the national economy.
Heritage and identity with a modern vision
The exhibits featured a modern take on the traditional Saudi dress, the "thobe." Designer Noura Al-Saleem, with 25 years of experience, explained that she blended the authenticity of clothing from the Kingdom's four regions into unified designs, emphasizing the "pearl of the Eastern Province" as a prominent aesthetic element reflecting local identity. This fusion of tradition and modernity not only preserves heritage but also reintroduces it to new generations in a creative way.
Economic empowerment and vocational training
In the context of economic empowerment, the "Ataa Al-Khair" Center, affiliated with the association, has played a prominent role in training Saudi craftswomen. Board member Fatima Hazza Al-Subaie revealed the center's success in producing 100% Saudi-made products, including prayer rugs, Ramadan gifts, and crochet items, emphasizing their ability to compete effectively with imported goods, thus reinforcing the "Made in Saudi Arabia" concept.
Inspiring success stories
The story of perfume designer Safaa Al-Hashem exemplifies the direct impact of the association. Her project transformed from a simple charitable initiative in 2020 into a brand with a broad customer base, thanks to the logistical and moral support provided by the association. For her part, association member Dhumia Al-Dulaijan noted that the exhibition began as a small event and has, over the years, become one of the strongest exhibitions in the Eastern Province, thanks to the rigorous organizational standards that guarantee quality. She added that the public now eagerly anticipates this annual event.
